Support From Others In Difficult Times

It’s been a while since I’ve posted, and that’s because things got a little crazy for a few months! This semester has kept me busy around the clock! I am averaging 2-3 papers per week, while working at a local dance studio and finishing out the pom season (which is like my school’s dance team) and trying to have a social life all at the same time!! I am now on spring break (YAY!), so I am going to have much more time to get my life back in order and write a little (:

Often times when I am overwhelmed (kinda like this semester) I tend to look to the people around me for approval and support. It’s as if I need someone to come tell me “you got this!” or “I was thinking about you today” or “how can I help you get these things done?” This past quarter I felt so overwhelmed, I thought I was going to burst! The worst part about it was that everyone else was overwhelmed just like me. In the busyness of the season, no one was able to come alongside like I was hoping. I wanted someone to remind me that it was all going to be okay, but due to the circumstances, this couldn’t happen.

One day last week, I was texting my mentor throughout the school day. I was complaining about all that I had to do and the discouragement that I felt from the lack of support/approval from people. This is when she reminded me of the precious truth that I so easily let slip from my mind. She said “Your source of comfort and strength has to be rooted in the Lord. We want the tangible manifestation of earthly support, but the Lord has withheld that from you-maybe if only so you are more aware of your need and dependency on Him.”

It is so easy for me to look for help in those around me, but this is not where my help comes from. My mentor had to remind me to look to Jesus for strength. This kind of strength is not something that I could find anywhere else. I then had to reset my heart to be focused on the supernatural peace and strength that comes from Jesus. If you’re in a similar position, where you are overwhelmed and you need to rely on the Lord instead of people, check out these comforting verses from Psalms…

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy.” Psalm 5:11

• this kind of joy can only be found in the refuge of the Lord, not in my friends

“The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:9-10

• the Lord is worthy of being trusted with my burdens

• He does not forsake me when I seek Him!! He is faithful and trustworthy

“In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears” Psalm 18:6

• the Lord hears me when I cry out to Him & He listens. Often times when I “cry out” to people, it feels as though they don’t hear me, but the Lord is faithful to listen and provide strength

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.” Psalm 25:16-17

• sometimes, as my troubles seem enlarged & I am distressed, I feel lonely. Father, be gracious to me & bring me out of my distresses with supernatural peace & comfort

“…weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5

• this struggle that I am facing right now is only temporary, there is joy waiting for me in the “morning” (:

^This is an insight into the things I journaled about when my mentor called me out for not depending on Jesus in my situation;)

Beloved people, it is so important to depend on the Lord for strength in difficult times. People will fail, but the Lord is faithful to look out for His children. What an awesome God we can entrust our heart to. Look to Him & you will find a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7). The Lord loves you & cares for you. My goodness, I hope you never forget that <3